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Access to contraceptives for reproductive-age minors varies across the United States but should be accessible to all, according to the authors of a recent paper. State laws often prevent minors from consenting to contraception by themselves or only allow access without parental permission if the minor is married.
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New research shows more supportive counseling in reproductive health is needed for adolescents, especially after sexual initiation, and in support of adherence or tolerance of side effects. Access to different types of birth control has increased in the past decade, but not as much progress has been made in supporting decision-making or counseling with respect to neurodevelopmental functioning.
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Social and behavioral change are important factors to consider and incorporate into family planning, even before a woman enters a provider’s office. Some social and behavioral change tactics include shared decision-making, ideational models, multifaceted community campaigns, and value clarification exercises.
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A new study revealed opportunities for improvement in OB/GYN knowledge of sexual health education. OB/GYN residents, while knowledgeable on subjects like decreased sexual desire, sexual pain, contraception, and more, could benefit from learning more about transgender care, caring for sex trafficking survivors, and cultural competency in care.
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The easing of the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy restriction on mifepristone will make it easier for women to obtain the drug and could allow for pharmacy dispensing of the drug. Pharmacists should have a seat at the table in the conversation on dispensing prescription medication.
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The risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) restriction on mifepristone has been burdensome for providers and patients, researchers noted. The REMS restriction exacerbates the stigma around abortion care, which already disproportionately affects communities of color and young people.
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Healthcare providers need to focus on educating women with sickle cell disease about different types of contraception, efficacy, and risks while addressing disease-specific concerns. Women with sickle cell disease
are at risk for pregnancy complications, such as higher risks for maternal and fetal mortality, pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction.
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The results of a recent study highlight the gaps in COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in the United States. Although pregnant women are at increased risk for severe illness and death from the disease, many remain unvaccinated.
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Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health organizations have initiated COVID-19 vaccine outreach for their patients and communities. In addition to encouraging staff and patients to take the vaccine, the organizations have taken a positive COVID-19 vaccine message to minority communities and others hit hard by the pandemic.
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A researcher created a new program for LGBTQ youth based on the idea that this population experiences more difficulty accessing reproductive healthcare, partly because of problems related to their choice of pronouns and names. The program addresses which contraceptives and intrauterine devices transgender boys can use, and which are effective and do not interfere with their hormone treatment.
